"The next thing I would mention, and warn you against, is profaneness. This you know is forbidden by God"
About this Quote
Jupiter Hammon, a noteworthy African American poet and preacher in the 18th century, communicated deep ethical and religious convictions through his works. In the offered quote, he warns versus "profaneness", which broadly refers to irreverence, especially in terms of language and habits, towards spiritual things.
Hammon's caution versus profaneness is deeply rooted in spiritual morality, which was a foundation of his writings. By mentioning that it is "forbidden by God", Hammon stresses the spiritual and ethical vital for followers to abstain from irreverence. This invocation of divine authority would have been particularly poignant in the context of Hammon's life and audience, who were mostly devout Christians seeking guidance on how to live virtuous lives in accordance with their faith.
The emphasis on avoidance of profane speech or actions can be translated as a wider require the growing of regard and piety. Throughout his time, profaneness would not have been restricted to blasphemy or offending language; it encompassed a variety of habits that revealed disrespect for the divine, the church, and religious practices. This sort of counsel would have been particularly relevant to a Christian audience that valued purity and discipline as paths to spiritual growth and redemption.
Hammon's mention of profaneness can also be viewed as an appeal for preserving a societal order that reflects divine intention. By motivating his readers to comply with God's rules, he highlights the value of living a life that honors and shows God's holiness. This shows the wider 18th-century worldview in which personal behavior was directly connected to one's spiritual state and communal standing.
Overall, Hammon's advisory reflects his role as a moral and religious guide, prompting people to stay watchful versus habits that differ spiritual teachings, enhancing that such actions are not simply socially undesirable but explicitly against God's commands.
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